RRR: "Learning to Read and Write" By: Frederick Douglass

 

                                   

            In the passage “Learning to Read and Write” from Frederick Douglass’ autobiography “Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass” (1845), Douglass highlights his difficult and tumultuous journey to literacy with the assistance of kind mistresses and neighborhood children. In this personal and persuasive essay, Douglass eloquently uses flashbacks and introspection to share his viewpoint of life before and after he gained the knowledge of freedom and all its possibilities. His writing style helped show the purpose of this passage was that learning to read and write as a slave was definitely and blessing and a curse. Douglass’ audience could be for the general population of any age, but especially those who want a first-hand glimpse into the tug of war within the mindset a young slave.

            After reading this passage, we truly gained insight of the struggle between slave and slave owners. It was interesting to see how some of Douglass’ mistresses were very nice and kind in the beginning, but slowly turned cold and callous toward Douglass. Perhaps the struggle of them knowing that they were risking punishment from their husbands or worse changed their attitudes. Regardless of the reason, Douglass soaked up every opportunity to read like a sponge. We thought it was brilliant that Douglass would utilize his errand runs as learning opportunities with the neighborhood children. He shows us that knowledge is truly power, especially when it pertains to one’s mindset. Learning to read and write did not open physical doors in his life, but it opened his mind to see and covet freedom like never before. Douglass was no longer naïve or complacent with remaining a slave forever.

            Douglass understood the risks for him and his slave owners who taught him how to read. He was unapologetically appreciative of the knowledge bestowed on him, even if it was harmful to his head of household. He demonstrates how he overcame enormous obstacles on his way to learning to read. For slaves, Douglass believes that education is the road to freedom. He was frustrated but motivated during the several stages it took in order for him to learn how to read and write. He was in excruciating pain after learning to read since it had shown "As I read and contemplated the subject, behold! that very discontentment which Master Hugh had predicted would follow my learning to read had already come, to torment and sting my soul to unutterable anguish. As I writhed under it, I would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing. It had given me a view of my wretched condition, without the remedy" (Douglass par 11). Douglass hoped that his audience would grasp the complexities of slavery and do more to combat it. The more knowledge Douglass gained, the less content he was with his position. “It opened my eyes to the horrible pit, but to no ladder upon which to get out. In moments of agony, I envied my fellow-slaves for their stupidity.” (Douglass par 11). By the end of the passage, Douglas was determined to attempt to run away as soon as an opportunity presented itself. Although Douglas was not physically free, his mind had been set free and he refused to let anyone take that away from him.

 

Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1999. EBook Collection, silk.library.umass.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=56521&site=eds-live&scope=site.